Why the EU Banned Salary History Questions (And Why It Matters)
The salary history question perpetuated pay gaps for decades. Here is how the ban works, what to say if you are still asked, and why this is a win for workers.
"What's your current salary?" — this question has cost workers millions in lost earnings. Finally, the EU has banned it.
The Problem with Salary History
When employers base your new salary on what you earned before, they inherit every unfair pay decision from your past.
What the Law Says
- Employers cannot ask about current salary.
- Employers cannot ask about salary history at any previous employer.
- This applies during recruitment, interviews, and offer negotiations.
What to Say If Asked Anyway
*Professional deflection:* "I'd prefer to focus on the value I can bring to this role. What's the salary range you've budgeted for this position?"
*Direct approach:* "Under the EU Pay Transparency Directive, I understand this question is no longer appropriate. I'm happy to discuss my salary expectations based on the role's responsibilities."
The Bigger Picture
Combined with mandatory salary disclosure and pay-gap reporting, this creates a hiring market where wages are set more by the value of the work than by historical inequity.